| Question: | What is an EZ, or Power Edge EZ? | | Answer: | Let me begin this article by saying thank you to the folks at Edge Products for not only donating the EZ box I have been testing, but for their technical support and ideas on how one should go about adding power upgrades to your vehicle.
Should I or shouldn't I?
I was a bit scared when I first decided to contact the folks over at Edge about doing this article. I knew that many people on the site were using their products, so I wanted to write something about my experiences with them, but I was very nervous about what would happen to my truck when I added a "box". I contacted them, and asked them questions about transmissions, fueling, engine wear, EGT's, dyno numbers and a host of other things. They were able to answer all of my questions, and provide additional technical information that helped in my decision.
Customer Service is a MUST!
I want to commend Edge Products on their customer service. I'll be the first one to tell you when I have a negative customer service experience, but the experience with them has been nothing but excellent from the start. Everyone I talked to seemed very interested in what I had to say, and they were truely concerned about the well being of my truck. They went out of their way to ensure that I was satisfied. That's not easy for a person like me, since I tend to ask more questions as I get each answer.
Will my truck break?!?!?!
One of my major worries was about my transmission. Since I have a '99 automatic, my first thought was about how I had already rebuilt the tranny once. I didn't want to do it again. During the rebuild, the shop did put a high-performance Torque Converter and Valve Body, but that didn't help my nerves at first. I'll explain why my confidence built AFTER I added the "box".. One thing I will recommend to automatic transmission owners, bomb your tranny first!
I'm sure you will get differing opinions on where you should start bombing. For the most part, folks with 5 and 6 speed transmissions don't have to worry about it until they reach 275 or more horsepower. Well, it's a different story with automatics. That is a story in itself, and I'll leave that alone for now. Like I said before, my opinion is that if you're going to start adding power enhancements, take care of your auto before anything else.
As for the axles etc. My opinion is that those don't need to be upgraded unless you're planning on making some serious power. Remember that the 3/4 ton Dodge Ram has a Dana 70 (except the 80 in the 3/4 ton 5spd) and the 1 Ton has a Dana 80. Those things are tough, and very hard to break. Not impossible, but not likely with basic power enhancements.
Which one do I test?
The product I decided to test was the Edge EZ. I did this because it is their basic product, and the majority of our members are using it. I may upgrade to a comp later, but we'll see. I have to bomb in increments. If I don't, my wife will kick me out and I'll have to live in the 5ver! Something I don't want to do. Well, on second thought...
Edge describes the EZ by saying, "The Power Edge EZ is a plug in module that maximizes engine efficiency by monitoring the RPM, timing, turbo boost pressure and fueling parameters to determine both fueling and timing enhancements for the Bosch fuel injection pump. The Power Edge EZ was developed with the towing application in mind."
This caught my interest because it described my application exactly. I do a lot of towing, and the Cummins definately does the job, but I wanted a little more power without sacrificing fuel economy and drivetrain. I wanted to be able to get up the hills without hammering the pedal. This little gem will do that.
How does this thing work?
From the Edge website, "The re-mapping of the timing and fueling parameters is done via the CAN-BUS communication system. The CAN-BUS protocol is used to communicate between the Cummins Engine Control Module (ECM) and the Bosch fuel injection pump. All data sent from the Power Edge EZ is within the limits of the Bosch fuel injection pump. This enables smooth and predictable power delivery with out comprimising integrity. This increase in power does not cause an increase in exhaust smoke from a stock engine. The Power Edge EZ will also allow maximum fueling at full turbo boost. The Power Edge EZ provides an additional 65 rear wheel horsepower, an additional 185 foot pounds of torque and installs in minutes. Simply plug the Power Edge connectors into the ECM Data Link connection and MAP sensor. There's no need to unplug the Bosch fuel injection pump connector. The Power Edge EZ is completly weatherproof and mounts under the hood."
How much power do you REALLY get?
Well, as you can see in the previous paragraph, Edge claims that adding the EZ will give you 65 additional rear wheel horsepower, and 185 foot pounds of torque. My opinion is that they're very close in saying this. Each truck will always be different, but mine was close.
I decided that if I was going to do this, I was going to check and see how much I was getting out of it for real, so I dynoed the truck before installing the EZ, and after.
My numbers before adding the EZ, on two runs were 196 rwhp, and 383 foot lbs. of torque. Not bad for a stock auto, but I wanted more. What I wanted is what I received. After installing the EZ, my rwhp went up to 225 and my torque went to 513. Quite a jump. Not quite as much as their claim, but darn close!!!! I was very impressed. The truck felt so much stronger! So what did I get? Well, I received a 29hp gain, and a 130 ft. pound gain in torque. This is exactly what I was looking for!
You'll notice that my numbers were not quite what Edge claims, but you have to remember again that each truck is different, and it was also my first time on a dyno. I did make some mistakes during the runs, and you'll notice that my results didn't show under 2100 rpms. Why? Because I didn't do it right, and the truck was shifting when I didn't want it to. No fault of the truck, it was purely operator error.
Numbers Before EZ install
Numbers After EZ install
So, do they make what they claim? I say for most customers, absolutely. Not only that, but my egt's were within safe limits during all runs. Since I don't have any gauges yet, Cmns_Pwr had to measure my egts with the use of a laser pointer. Getting the temp off the manifold, and adding 450 degrees to it will give you a close number on exhaust temps.
My first run, the truck was pushing right about 1000 degrees egt. After the install, I saw up to 1200, but averaged 1100 during the runs. I'd say for the power you receive, that's quite good!
Should I buy gauges or not?
I'll keep this one short and simple. YES!!!! I am going to get Egt, Boost and Transmission temp. If anything, you should get an EGT gauge.
So how do I install my new EZ?
To be honest, I had planned on doing a long install paper with this article, and including a bunch of pictures etc. I changed my mind. This thing is so easy to install, that I felt it unnecessary to do so. I'll give you the basics though.
When you receive the product in the mail, or via the carrier that your shipper chooses, you'll be surprised at how small the box is, and how simple it looks. It's just a small black box that shows the Edge Products logo on the top, with a single harness that splits into two directions. One connecter hooks into the data link plug, and the other goes into the MAP sensor. My install took approximately 10 minutes. Very simple and easy! I was quite impressed.
Here is my EZ installed:
I decided to put the velcro on my box first, and attach it to the top of the fuse box under the hood. The fuse box is located on the drivers side of the vehicle, right behind the battery. Make sure you clean the plastic cover of the fuse box before adding the velcro strips provided. If you don't, the box can easily come off. I recommend using a window cleaner first, then using an alcohol pad to get off all grease and oil.
From this point, all you have to do is read the instructions. They're laid out well, and they're easy to follow. If you do get confused, or can't find something, call Edge Products and ask them. Remember how I talked about their customer service? Well, I assure you that you'll be satisfied with their support if you need it.
You can get their contact information by going to their website, http://www.edgeproductsinc.com. Click on the "contact us" link, and give 'em a call.
What does the boost elbow do?
The boost elbow provides the ability to obtain boost pressures in excess of 20 psi without wastegate opening. This allows for lower egt's and a bit more power. The EZ will operate fine with or without this elbow installed.
For those who own 2001's with an automatic transmission, the wastegate is a solid line. This means that you cannot install the brass elbow. This should not adversely affect the operation of your truck, or the EZ. You should have an EGT gauge installed. Hey, didn't I say that before?
Instructions can be found here:
http://www.dodge-diesel.org/articles/edgeez/images/install.pdf
Install instructions for the 2001 auto:
http://www.dodge-diesel.org/articles/edgeez/images/01auto-wastegate.pdf
So what's the final verdict?
Dodge-Diesel.Org gives the Edge EZ a 9 out of 10. Why the 9? I didn't see all the power that the Edge Product's website shows, but I have to put some of the blame for that on me. Like I stated before, I wasn't perfect on the dyno. Not only that, I have an auto. I'm sure that the gains will be better for those of you who have a manual.
Installation of this box is VERY easy and you don't have to be a mechanic to take full advantage of this product. You don't have any mechanical changes to make except for the elbow, and the Edge EZ is easily removeable. Why is that a plus? Always remember that you're your own warranty station!
In closing...
If you're looking for something that can give you an increase in power without going overboard, this is the product for you. It's amazing to me how simple it was, and I now have the towing power I want for those big hills, and the Powerstrokes at the light!
Good job Edge Products! You have a Gem here!
Want to buy an Edge EZ?
Then click the url:
http://store.yahoo.net/dodge-diesel/hig.html
| | last updated 7.06.2002 | user rating:  | |
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